Spurs Summer League players to watch

Spurs beat writer Jeff McDonald breaks down the three who have played for the Spurs and this year’s draft pick as the team’s Summer League entry begins play this evening in Las Vegas:

Kawhi Leonard, SF
NBA experience: 1 year
Summer assignment: Former San Diego State star blended in nicely during All-Rookie campaign. Will be Spurs’ go-to guy in Vegas, with a chance to take another leap forward.

Cory Joseph, PG
NBA experience: 1 year
Summer assignment: Prove to be a credible NBA point guard. Doesn’t have to blossom into Chris Paul, just show Spurs enough to warrant a second season.

Marcus Denmon, PG/SG
NBA experience: None
Summer assignment: The 59th overall pick out of Missouri faces long odds to crack a crowded Spurs backcourt. Good week in Vegas won’t make him, but a poor one may break him.

TIME TO SHINE

Spurs beat writer Jeff McDonald breaks down a few players trying to catch someone’s eye, be it the Spurs, another NBA team or a foreign team, when the team’s Summer League squad begins play this afternoon in Las Vegas:

Alexis Ajinca, C
NBA experience: 3 years
Summer assignment: Spurs are always looking for another big man. The 7-foot-2 Ajinca has been mostly a bust since being drafted 20th overall by Charlotte in 2008. A solid summer could force Spurs to think long and hard about him.

Eric Dawson, F
NBA experience: 1 year
Summer assignment: Former Sam Houston High standout made NBA debut with Spurs last season, playing in four games. With a strong summer, camp invite should be a lock.

Derrick Byars, G/F
NBA experience: 1 year
Summer assignment: Vanderbilt product finished last season on Spurs’ roster, and he appeared in two games. Another player looking for a training camp call.

Alexis Wangmene, F/C
NBA experience: None
Summer assignment: Just play ball. The former Texas standout — and adopted son of general manager R.C. Buford — had his college career ended a month early by a broken wrist. Vegas will provide first organized action since then.